What to Expect

​Understanding the Application Process​

Applying for insurance is a collaboration between OMA Insurance and the insuring company. A little preparation goes a long way toward the success of your insurance application.

This guide outlines what you can expect to happen during the underwriting of your application and how you can help ensure the process stays on schedule.

But what exactly happens next?​

Here's what you can expect to happen

Here's how you can expedite the process

1. Application

You will need to complete an application form.

The average time from the receipt of your application to receipt of your insurance certificate is 6 to 8 weeks. This depends on how quickly the insurance company’s underwriter can obtain the necessary medical information and if needed, financial documents to assess your application.

The underwriter will notify you of any additional information required to complete the review of your application.

Before you apply ensure that your medical association membership is active. If you’re not a member yet, contact your local medical association or society to apply for membership.

On your application;

answer all questions fully

provide details where required

include your OMA Reference number

sign and date your application

include your banking information from a Canadian banking institution

For assistance in completing your application, contact an OMA Advisor.

2. Telephone Interview

As part of the underwriting process, you will need to complete a telephone interview which will include questions about your health and your family medical history.

Within 3 to 5 days of your application being reviewed by the underwriting company, a representative of our paramedical service provider (Exam One) will contact you to complete the telephone interview.

If you are applying separately for life and disability insurance within 6 months of each other, you do not have to complete a second telephone interview. Each insurance company uses the completed interview to underwrite the application. The insurance company will contact you if any additional requirements are needed.

If required, an Exam One representative will contact you and arrange for a convenient time and location to collect your specimen. On the day of the visit, the examiner may also take your vitals and record your height and weight. A copy of the lab results will be sent to you by the insurance company.

The average time for the visit is 15 to 20 minutes. If you are unable to keep the appointment, contact Exam One.

4a. Attending Physician's Statement (APS)

To complete the underwriting assessment of your application, further medical information regarding your health history may be
requested from your physician. In some cases a specialist report may also be needed.

Average time for completion and submission of APS is 20 to 25 business days.

Advise your doctor to expect the request.

4b. Additional Requirements

Based on your medical history or the amount of insurance you are applying for, you will be notified if any additional information is needed to assess your application such as:

ECG/EKG

Medical Exam

Supplementary Questionnaires

Financial Information

Arrange for the completion of any additional requirements as soon as possible.

Return all completed documents to Sun Life as quickly as possible in the return envelope provided or by fax to 1.800.367.0813.

5. Underwriter Decision

Once all requirements are received, the underwriter will render a decision, usually within 5 business days of receiving the last underwriting requirement.

6. Acceptance of Policy Documents

You will be mailed a Certificate of Insurance if your application is approved. Premium payments will begin according to the mode of payment you selected.

If your application is approved with changes, you will be sent an amendment form for review and acceptance before the coverage takes effect and premiums begin.

If your application is not approved, you will receive a confidential letter explaining the reason.

If your application is approved without changes then no further action is required.

If your application is approved on an amended basis - carefully review the documents sent to you. If you agree, sign and return all required documentation within 30 days in return envelope provided or by fax to 1.800.367.0813.

File all insurance documents with your Will and other important papers.